VAGINAL SURGERY & UROGYNECOLOGY INSTITUTE SURGICAL TREATMENT DYSPAREUNIA - PAINFUL INTERCOURSE A BRIEF OVERVIEW FOR PATIENT REFERENCE
WHAT IS IT? Dyspareunia is the medical terminology for painful intercourse. The pain may occur with or after intercourse. Altered anatomy, post- operative changes, or physiologic conditions can all promote dyspareunia. Altered anatomy including uterine position or fibroids can become uncomfortable when manipulated during intercourse. Prior pelvic surgery and placement of vaginal mesh kits can affect the normal dimensions of the vagina thereby producing dyspareunia. Physiologic conditions that occur with aging, such as thinning of the vaginal wall or a decrease in lubrication, may leave the vagina friable and vulnerable to pain during intercourse. Please see the Conditions section for more information on Dyspareunia.
TREATMENT OF DYSPAREUNIA FOR A SHORTENED/NARROWED VAGINA When the shortened/narrowed vagina is encountered, the Utilizing a full-thickness skin graft is another modality to surgical planning must consider the restoration of normal increase the caliber of the vagina to allow comfortable anatomical relationships. Often a patient will have a intercourse. This is a novel technique that Dr. Veronikis history of a previous hysterectomy with cystocele and/or developed based upon his extensive expertise and rectocele repair and notably did not have the vaginal vault technical skill in constructing vaginas for girls who are fixed as well. These patients may be treated with an born without one, also known as vaginal agenesis. abdominal vaginal vault procedure called an abdominal Typically a strip of skin from the abdomen is taken and sacrocolpopexy, which can lengthen and restore the placed within the vagina. Within a few weeks, the anatomical relationships. abdominal skin takes on the appearance of vaginal mucosa and women are able to enjoy intimacy again.